Have you been watching the Olympics this summer? I have. These athletes have been training for years and are at the top of their game. They are ready to compete on the world’s biggest stage. You spend a lot of time and effort learning, training and working to be the best in your business. You may not earn a medal for it, but you are proud of what you have accomplished. So why not let some of these Olympians teach you a little more.

Here are 5 business takeaways from the Summer Olympics:

1.You are never too old to do great things. American Kristin Armstrong became the oldest female Olympic cycling gold medalist, her third gold medal in cycling, one day shy of her 43rd birthday. It doesn’t matter how old (or young) you are to have great ideas and make a difference. Don’t ever let someone tell you that you can’t do something because of your age. Which leads me to… 2.Not only do you need a goal, but you also need a plan. Do you think these Olympic competitors got to where they are just by saying they want to be an Olympian? No. Whether or not they earned a medal, they had to work hard to get to the Olympics in the first place. They had to study, learn, train, study more, learn more, train more. You need business goals, but you also need to back up that goal with a plan to get you there. Start with ‘SMART’ goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time bound), but make sure you know HOW your business will achieve this goal. Does it involve new training, technology, or procedures? The ‘how’ is as important as the ‘what.’3.Be ready to work individually or as a team. Simone Biles and Katie Ledecky are dominating their sports. They set new records and have firmly planted themselves as American phenomes, both individually and as part of a team. They would not have some of the medals that they do if they had only wanted to go it alone. In your business you will likely need to do things on your own and as part of a team. How you accomplish tasks and reach goals will differ, but you need to know how to do them both equally well to be successful.4.Don’t be afraid to break new ground. Simone Manuel became the first black female swimmer to win an Olympic medal for America by tying for gold in the 100m freestyle. She also won a silver medal for the 50m freestyle and a gold and silver in each of 2 relays. This 20 year old is now in the history books; not for the medals themselves, but because she was the ‘first.’ It is something her children and grandchildren will be proud of years from now. No matter who you are or what you do, don’t be afraid to do something no one else has done before. Be different. That is how you, and your business, will stand out.5.Don’t be afraid to change directions. Although there have been many people already hoping he will compete in Tokyo, Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time, said he has swam his last race. Could he medal in Tokyo? Maybe. But there are other things he wants to do with his life. He is going out on top and feels that he has accomplished what he set out to do in Rio. Do you feel like you want to take your life and/or business in a different direction? There are a lot of things to consider, but don’t be afraid to change directions if you have another passion. As Phillip Hatfield, motivation speaker, has said, “Our career is what we are paid for. Our calling is what we are made for.” Live your calling!

Although most of us will never be Olympians, we can learn a lot, both personally and professionally, from what they do, or don’t do. There are other lessons to be learned from these Games, so keep watching and learning!

Pam Albrecht is a social media and marketing manager at Albrecht & Associates. She works with small business owners who don’t have the time, desire or knowledge to execute the details of a marketing plan by providing virtual marketing support.

Bev is an entrepreneur and long-time Napervillian, who has made significant contributions to the business community and various area clubs and organizations. She owned the Fabric inn in Naperville and another fabric store in Elgin and four music stores in the Chicago suburbs, including Naperville.

Q: What is your background and what led you to opening your businesses?A: I was just a happy “Suzy Homemaker” when in 1967 my husband suddenly died. I was left with two kids, a mortgage, and no money. That makes you think pretty quickly what are you going to do to support your family.Q: What would you say are the three top skills to successfully lead an organization?A: Honesty, help employees to be successful, and have fun!

Q: What advice would you give for other women in business?A: Do a lot of listening and go for it.

Q: Do you really think women have come a long way? How so?A: OMG – have we ever. When I joined the Chamber, there was one executive director and one secretary. There were two business women as members. Now look at us. Before WWII, women, like me, were Suzy Homemakers. But during the war, the women started working as the men were all overseas. They found out they enjoyed doing their own thing and earning money. Many of us can no longer can stay at home and bake and read and sew. For me, I find the business world inspiring. I love it.

Q: What is your involvement now in the Chamber, WIB and community?A: I so enjoy the legislative meetings as that is where the action is and it keeps you up to date on what is going on. But most of all, I enjoy Women in Business events. It is so inspiring to talk with each member and find out what they are doing and how they got started. I am so proud of the women and their achievements. One job I enjoy is as a greeter. Having been in business so many years and knowing so many people, it gives me joy to help others and open doors for them.

Q: Tell us one thing most people don't know about you.A: I used to be shy! But in sales, I had to learn to overcome it. Later my husband threatened to send me to bashful school.

Q: What are you most proud of?A: My two kids. They were in 7th grade and a freshman in high school when their father died. We had to move out of our house, I started working, and it was a traumatic time for all three of us. Life and business were definitely not always easy. But my two kids turned out beautifully and have given me five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. I am so blessed.

Q: You are known as a notable Napervillian and the first woman on the Naperville Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. How does that make you feel?A: That is not important. I’m just happy to contribute in any way I can. The Chamber has been a big part of my business career and my life.

Q: If you had a chance for a “do-over” in life, what would you do? A: I can’t think of anything I would do over. No regrets. My life has not been an easy one, but I always took one day at a time, and said “Thanks to the Man” upstairs. And we DID have a lot of fun at work. How can you sell music if you are not happy and cheerful?

Photo by: Sabina Cavalli Photography, a boutique studio in south Naperville that specializes in creating photographic art with you or your favorite people in it. Sabina is a Certified Professional Photographer, has her Masters of Photography Degree and has received top accolades including the Top 10 Imager in Illinois by the North Central District of the Professional Photographer of America (PPA) and National Bronze Photographer of the Year by the PPA. She teaches lighting and posing techniques at PPA affiliates in the Midwest. Please visit her website at www.sabinacavalli.com or call 630-699-2072 for a visit to her studio.